How long until the swelling goes down after a mommy makeover?

Question

I am getting a mommy makeover the first week of December. I have a Carribean trip planned the second week of January. How can I expect my body to look in terms of swelling and discomfort? Could I wear a bikini? Can I swim etc?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Healing will continue for 2-3 months for the early period. This includes some swelling, bruising, malposition, color differences. Sensation in the breasts may also be abnormal and scars will be evolve. Tingling, burning or shooting pains in the breasts will disappear with time and should not alarm you. It is simply a result of the regeneration of your sensory nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage per your surgeon's permission may help. The purpose of the post-procedure #garment is to provide some gentle #support and to reduce swelling following a #TummyTuck or #Abdominoplasty. If it feels too tight or causes pain, take it off. Patients wear the #elastic garment for several weeks after surgery, as directed by their doctor. Some choose to wear it longer for several months for comfort.

If you have concerns about your #healing, or pain that you question to be unusual, it is important to call your plastic surgeon to discuss these further asked to be examined.

If you have concerns about your #healing, or pain that you question to be unusual, it is important to call your plastic surgeon to discuss these further asked to be examined.

Marshall T. Partington, MD, FACS · Answer

Most swelling in the breasts is resolved at 3 to 5 weeks.
The abdomen generally takes a little longer perhaps 6 weeks. You should be able
to enjoy that vacation without being self conscious by about 6 weeks.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Swelling is not uncommon after a tummy tuck and typically lasts quite a while. 80% has resolved by 3 months and the rest takes up to a year to resolve. You have to be patient with the healing process.I don't let my patients submerge in water for 6 weeks. Enjoy your new look!Sheila Nazarian

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question.  After 6 weeks, if there are no complications, patients are cleared for exercise and swimming.  It may take up to six
months for the swelling to subside and the true result seen. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Best wishes

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Roughly 5 weeks after this surgery it is usually safe to swim/bath etc., as long as your incisions have healed with no issues and are totally closed. The majority of swelling will have resolved by then however, especially for the abdominal area, you may have some residual swelling for a few months still after that. I recommend that you pay a visit to your Plastic Surgeon before your trip and they will let you know if you have any restrictions. All the best!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Depending on the types of procedures you are having done, much of the swelling after surgery will have resolved, but will still have a component that will be affecting your long-term results.  You will still have some degree of soreness but should be able to wear a bikini and swim, assuming no wound healing issues after surgery.  Hope this helps.

David J. Wages, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Like all things in life it depends upon several factors such as how much correction was performed, was there any muscle repair, or liposuction.  These are all factors that can influence your swelling and recovery.  In my practice most of my patients are active by three weeks and should be able to travel.  I restrict any heavy lifting after muscle repair for eight to twelve weeks and they are without restrictions by three months.  Of course when it comes to swimming are you referring to olympic race or just getting into a the water and cooling off?  These are good questions and I would recommend you discuss these with your surgeon who will have their own protocols for what was actually performed. Good luck.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.To reduce the post op swelling, I recommend to perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emma Mallol Cotes.-

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

My recommendations to my patients are that they allow for at least six weeks of healing prior to going on a vacation and getting into a bathing suit. At this point, you may still feel quite swollen, but it would not likely be obvious to others.

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

A mommy makeover can be a very significant procedure that takes some time to recover from.  Everybody will have different experiences with their recovery, but in general most of the swelling will be gone by 5-6 weeks after surgery.  You will likely still have some.  Your scars will still be healing and will need protection from sun exposure.  Your activity level will depend on how your healing is going.  Good luck with your upcoming surgery!